The Salahi's Honored

Article from nv daily.com.

Couple from Linden known for crashing White House event
By Ben Orcutt

Photo: Andrew Thayer

FRONT ROYAL -- Tareq and Michaele Salahi created a stir on Thursday in Warren County, but this time it was for a good cause.

The couple were the guests of honor at the Mikado Japanese Steakhouse in Riverton Commons, just north of Front Royal. In addition to watching themselves on an episode of Bravo TV's "Real Housewives of D.C.," the Salahis were on hand to help raise money for the United Way of Front Royal-Warren County.

"It means everything to us," Mrs. Salahi said of Thursday's event. "This is what it's all about."

Sean Baek, 35, the owner of the restaurant, said he was "very excited," to be a part of the event and planned to donate 10 percent of the gross receipts to the local United Way.

"I know him for more than 10 years," Baek said of Salahi, adding that world-famous chef David Kim of New York would cook for the couple on Thursday.

"We both love Mikado," Salahi said. "We love the owners here. This is our favorite restaurant in town. It's actually one of our favorite restaurants period. Everything's great here."

The Salahis have a home in Warren County at 440 Scenic Overlook Drive off Va. 55 near Linden.

Photo: Andrew Thayer

"It's a big night," Mrs. Salahi added. "We're really excited. That's what it's about. We're lucky to be here and without the people, we wouldn't have this, so we're really excited and to be able to give back is what it's about."

The Salahis were excited to be able to watch the second episode of the "Real Housewives of D.C." with their guests on Thursday.

"There was a lot filmed in Warren County," Salahi said. "We don't know how much actually makes it on screen. There are truly hundreds and hundreds of hours filmed and they have to bring it down to a 45-minute segment for each episode. We get to preview some of the episodes just before to write the blogs for Bravo TV that Michaele writes."

Mrs. Salahi joked that being 44 and her husband 41, she might be considered a "cougar."

A number of local residents came out to attend Thursday's event, including 22-year-old Brittany Williams of Basye, who was accompanied by her husband, Brodie, 23.

The manager of Beach Bum Tanning in Riverton Commons, Mrs. Williams said she air-brushes Mrs. Salahi, meaning she sprays her with a tanning solution.

"It's very exciting," Mrs. Williams said. "It's been a journey for the last 18 months. I customize her air-brush once a week so it's very fun."

"They're great people and we're very thankful to be here," Williams added of the Salahis.

Blake Pierpoint, 27, the owner of Blake & Company Hair Salon in Front Royal, does Mrs. Salahi's hair and also attended Thursday's dinner party.

"She's so nice," Pierpoint said of Mrs. Salahi. "She'll go up to anybody and give them a hug."

Glenda Gilbert and her boyfriend, Tom Reber, both of Front Royal, specifically attended Thursday's event because some of the proceeds were going to the United Way.

"I think it's nice," Gilbert said. "It's for a good cause."

Not everyone who ate at the Mikado on Thursday was a fan of the Salahis.

Theresa Smith was celebrating her 48th birthday at the restaurant with family and friends and was not impressed by the Salahis.

Photo: Andrew Thayer

"To be honest, I just think that it's wrong that somebody that breaks into the White House should be given so much publication," Smith said. "Why are they treated like celebrities? They're crooks. I hope everything in their life from this point on goes good. Truly, I do. But they need to get rid of the bad first."

The Salahis garnered national attention after making it past the Secret Service without an invitation for a 300-guest state dinner President Obama held in honor of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in November.

David W. Silek, a Front Royal native and an attorney who represents the Salahis, said that if there was only one negative comment about the couple, that wasn't so bad.

"I used to be the campaign chairman for two years for the United Way," Silek said. "I would have killed to have a celebrity come into Front Royal, much less to be a Front Royal resident to do a fundraiser for the United Way. I think it's wonderful the Salahis are able to do a campaign launch for the United Way this year."